LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - Bill White will be effective sheriff

I am adding my letter of support for Bill White as I have known him professionally for many years and understand how his qualities and qualifications would make him an excellent sheriff. Although we work for different agencies, we both hold similar positions in our respective organizations; Captains overseeing law enforcement operations.

Filling the position of sheriff with the best qualified person is critical to an organization, and experience means a great deal. Bill committed himself to a career with the Walla Walla County Sheriff's Office 30 years ago and worked his way up through the ranks.

I have found him to be easy to work with, as he approaches problems with a calm demeanor but is not afraid to take on tough issues. Bill is familiar with the organization and knows each member's strengths and weaknesses.

That is a major advantage when transitioning the leadership within an organization. Just as important, he knows the community and other public safety and social agencies that work together to improve our quality of life.

I cannot stress enough how vital it is to have management and leadership experience in law enforcement in order to effectively run an organization. On-the-job training is not the way to become an effective sheriff for Walla Walla County.

Some have said it is time to shake things up. Certainly every organization has room to improve, but I have a great deal of confidence in the current organization, in no small part because of the leadership of Bill White.